serial #54648, 12 ga., 28” barrels numbered 1 & 2, inlaid in gold at their breeches, choked modified and light full and a light cylinder and light modified respectively, both showing bright about excellent bores which have the remnants of some light pitting sparsely scattered about, set No.1 showing an old ding about halfway down its length which was very nicely, very professionally raised. Set one appears to be original blue, retaining perhaps 85-90%, the loss due to even fading, muzzle wear, light rub marks here there with some light field handling marks and has a brass front bead; the second set of barrels has about 98% professional re-blacking and has a large ivory front bead. Both sets are maker marked with the 68 Haymarket address and the St. Mary’s Birmingham address, both show nice sprays of engraving at their rears and on the rib extension with a pigeon on barrel 1 and quail on barrel 2. Both are nitro proved for 1 1/4 ounce loads and have 2 3/4” chambers, barrels 1 have no wall thickness below .030” and barrels 2 have none below .026”, most well over .028”. The frame is a silvery-gray gunmetal patina and shows sprays of tight flowing scroll with the makers name in riband left and right, with some remnants of light oxidation staining here and there, the edges of the fences with some very light pitting and minor handling marks from the years; engraving coverage is perhaps 40%. The checkered round knob English walnut buttstock rates otherwise very good showing lightly worn checkering and the expected dings and handling marks that come from the years, also with a 1 1/2” crack on the right stock cheek and a smaller 7/8” crack on the left. The length of pull to the checkered horn buttplate is 14 3/8” with drops of 1 3/4” and 2 3/4”. There is one splinter style forend which fits both sets of barrels, it rates perhaps about very good showing more dings and wear with an intact ebony tip insert. The top lever is sluggish to close and must be helped, but it still remains slightly right of center, barrels No. 1 are tight and on face, barrels No. 2 showing a tiny sliver of light between the right tube and the standing breech, the left is on-face. Equipped with double triggers, Greener safety, and ejectors; the gun seems to function well mechanically. A versatile and rugged Greener two barrel set. (39100-1419) {C&R} [Richard “Stretch” Kennedy Collection] (1800/2200)
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